Forging a Rainbow Coalition: The Legacy of Harold Washington

February 9, 2008

(Please note: this recording erroneously omits opening remarks; we apologize for any inconvience.) Listen in for an exciting program exploring the life and legacy of Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor. Washington's candidacy forged political unity and independence from the Chicago machine. But more than that, he inspired a progressive movement that crossed racial and cultural lines. With the campaign for the presidency in full swing, what does Harold's campaign tell us about forging a new Rainbow Coalition today?

This conversation features Salim Muwakkil, senior editor at In These Times and author of the new book Harold! Photographs from the Harold Washington Years, and Alden Loury, editor and publisher of The Chicago Reporter. Rudy Lozano Jr. and other activists who grew up during the Harold Washington years will also join this conversation.

This Know More: Conversations That Matter program is co-sponsored by The Public Square at the IHC, Southwest Youth Collaborative, Chicago Public Radio, and the Harold Washington Commemorative Year.